Multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate

ABSTRACT

A fireplace grate has a first platform and a second platform. Each of the first and second platforms are formed by a plurality of grate members and a plurality of cross members. The platforms are raised off the ground and connected via side members, being separated by a predetermined distance. The grate members and cross members include a substantially flat first surface to fully support firelogs placed on each either and/or both of the platforms. The fireplace grate segregates logs placed on each platform by prevents direct contact therebetween. Thus, the fireplace grate provides for enhanced safety and efficiency when creating fire with wood logs on the first platform and firelogs on the second platform while at the same time provide a grate for efficiently burning of firelogs only.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/______, entitled MULTI-TRAY FIREPLACE TRAY SYSTEM, filed Mar. 7,2003, by the applicant herein. The related patent application is hereinincorporated into this disclosure by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a fireplace grate.More particularly, the invention relates a two-tier fireplace gratedesigned to safely segregate a firelog, such as a gel log, on a firsttier from other logs, such as wood logs or ceramic logs, placed on asecond tier.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In a home fireplace, a combustible material is typically burnt togenerate heat and create an aesthetically pleasing environment. In atraditional home fireplace, combustible logs or other solid combustiblematerials are usually placed on some type of fireplace grate for burningthereon. Ash generated by combustion collects in a fireplace traypositioned below the fireplace grate. The grate is typicallymanufactured of a material, such as steel or cast iron, suitable towithstand the heat of a fire: The fireplace grate typically comprises aplurality of metal bars joined to form a support surface above thefireplace floor, the support surface supported by legs and used forsupporting logs to be burned. The support surface includes a pluralityof holes or elongated channels to allow the air to flow therethrough.

[0004] Combustible logs include wood logs, gel logs, and other firelogs.Firelogs are formed of particulate combustible material, such as sawdustor coal particles, that is combined with a binder material, such asparaffin, and formed into a desired shape. Other well known materialsmay be included in a firelog. For example, firelogs may contain variousadditives to enhance burning or to produce an attractive colored flame.Firelogs are produced in sizes ranging from small-sized starter firelogs(about 1 lb.) to full-sized firelogs (3½-5 lbs.)

[0005] The fireplace grate raises logs above the floor of the fireplaceto enhance airflow around the logs and thus, enhance combustion of thelogs. However, care must be taken when building a fire with aconventional fireplace grate using the combinations of a firelog andother combustible logs, such as wood logs. To build such a fire, in onecase, the firelog is placed on the floor under the fireplace grate andthe wood logs are placed on the support surface. In a second case, thefirelog is piled on the support surface with and among the wood logs.Each cases presents practical and safety problems.

[0006] In the first case, the support surface of many conventionalfireplace grates is raised above the ground to provide clearance forremoving a fireplace tray from under the fireplace grate. The clearanceprovided is typically large so that the fireplace tray can be angledover any door ledge of a door to the fireplace. Thus, a starter firelogpositioned on the floor is too distant from the wood logs such that thewood logs do not ignite or burn well. With the presence of a fireplacetray, the starter firelog would also be positioned upon any accumulatedash in the tray. The accumulated ash may further stifle ignition orsmother the firelog. Alternatively, a homeowner may place a full-sizedfirelog or multiple starter firelogs under the grate, thereby generatinga large fire that produces too much heat for the fireplace. An oversizedfire can destroy flues and dampers in pre-fabricated fireplaces. Thesupport surface of other conventional fireplace grates is too low to theground to permit a firelog to properly fit under the grate and set anappropriate distance between the firelog and the wood logs. As a result,a homeowner may not use a firelog or may inappropriately cut the firelogto fit for size and, in the process, damage the firelog causing it tobreak open and flare-up upon use.

[0007] In the second case, the metal bars forming the support surface ofa conventional fireplace grate are typically spaced too far apart toproperly support the firelog. During use, the firelog may fall off thesupport surface onto the floor of the fireplace and thus, loseeffectiveness or break and flare-up. When a firelog reaches the end ofits burning capacity, it begins to fall apart, which can create aflare-up of the chemicals and materials of which it is composed. If aflare-up occurs, flames can consume the fireplace, potentially causing ablockage of the flue. In that circumstance, smoke is not be able to exitthe fireplace via the chimney and thus, flow out the front opening ofthe fireplace.

[0008] Moreover, the firelog remaining on the support surface with thewood logs during burn, present other problems. This positioning iscontrary to the explicit instructions and recommends of many firelogmanufacturers that firelogs not be burnt in combination with additionalmaterials due to potential safety hazards. The addition of othermaterial/s can alter the characteristics of the firelog burn. Forexample, natural firewood has a tendency to pop, creating burst of airas the mositure in the wood is removed during burning. The resultantburst of air can cause the firelog to break apart and flare up. Flare-upcan cause flames that consume the fireplace, resulting in blockage ofthe flue and the smoke condition described above.

[0009] Further, conventional fireplace grates are not designed tosupport a firelog or protect the firelog from being crushed by otherlogs. Stacked wood logs fall upon each other as they are consumed. If awood log falls on a firelog, a flare-up condition may occur. Inaddition, when wood logs are placed around and on top of a firelog, heatgenerated by the firelog is trapped and the firelog can be smothered,causing an unsafe condition that could melt the firelog. Home-ownersalso have a tendency to poke at exposed logs with fireplace tools, whichcan easily break apart a burning firelog. The larger the size of afirelog being poked, the greater the amount of energy that may berelease in a flare-up caused by break up of the firelog. Conventionalfireplace grates provide unrestricted access to the support surface andthus do not protect firelogs from damage by fireplace tools. All ofthese situations can cause a hazardous fire condition within the home.

[0010] Using a conventional fireplace grates to burn a firelog and woodlogs in combination gives rise to a multitude of safety hazards for thehomeowner. Unfortunately, some homeowners remain unaware of these safetyissues or, worse yet, disregard them. Therefore, there is a need for afireplace grate designed to address safety considerations associatedwith the use of firelogs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The general nature of the invention may be stated as a fireplacegrate having two tiers that are substantially segregated from eachother. The fireplace grate has a first platform and a second platform.Each of the first and second platforms are formed by a plurality ofgrate members and a plurality of cross members. The platforms are raisedoff the ground and connected via side members, being separated by apredetermined distance. Since the platforms are off the ground, airflowaround logs placed on the platforms is increased and combustionenhanced.

[0012] The grate members and cross members also include a substantiallyflat first surface to fully support firelogs placed on either and/orboth of the platforms. The flat surface reduces air contacting thefirelog surface and prevents burning. This increases efficiency byforcing the firelog to burn from top to bottom, eliminating excess heatfrom being generated were the bottom of the firelog ignited. The firstplatform also include a support member having a substantially flat firstsurface that extends substantially perpendicular from the firstplatform. This support member starves oxygen from surface of a abuttingfirelog to prevent burning of the back of a firelog. A firelog placed onthe first surface is accordingly forced to burn front to back, thusavoid generation of unnecessary heat in the back of the fireplaceproviding a more efficient burn.

[0013] The fireplace grate also segregates logs placed on each platformby preventing direct contact therebetween. Further, spacing between andamong the grate members and the cross members of the first platformprevents logs placed on the first platform, or predetermined sizedportions of logs, from falling and damaging logs placed on the secondplatform. The spacing also prevents fireplace tools from being used topoke logs on the second platform from above (i.e. through the firstplatform). Thus, the spacing and the dual platform structure reduces therisk of flare-up associated with damage to a firelog.

[0014] As compared to prior fireplace grates, the fireplace grateaccording to the invention provides enhanced safety and efficiency whencreating fire with wood logs on the first platform and firelogs on thesecond platform while at the same time provide a grate for economicalburning firelogs alone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Further aspects of the instant invention will be more readilyappreciated upon review of the detailed description of the embodimentsincluded below when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,of which:

[0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the multi-purposetwo-tier fireplace grate of the invention positioned in a fireplace andloaded with burning logs;

[0017]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a first embodiment of thefireplace grate loaded with logs;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an additional perspective view of a first embodiment ofthe fireplace grate;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of thefireplace grate;

[0020]FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the second embodiment of thefireplace grate;

[0021]FIG. 6 is an additional perspective view of the second embodimentof the fireplace grate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, wherein similar components of theinvention are numerically referenced in like manner, disclosed areexemplary embodiment of a multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate.

[0023]FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of the multi-purposetwo-tier fireplace grate of the invention in various states of use. FIG.1 illustrates the first multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grateembodiment positioned in a fireplace and loaded with burning logs. Thefireplace grate 10 has two tiers (alternatively referred to asplatforms). On the first tier 12, wood logs 14 are placed. A firelog 16is placed below the wood logs on the second tier 18. Once the firelog isignited and begins to burn, flame 20 from the firelog ignites the woodlogs until all of the wood logs are engulfed in flame.

[0024] The firelog 16 is formed of particulate combustible material,such as sawdust or coal particles, that is combined with a bindermaterial, such as paraffin, and formed into a desired shape. Theartificial firelog may include a wrapper 22 to assist in ignition of thefirelog. As the logs are consumed, ash 24 is generated and falls belowthe fireplace grate 10 onto the floor 26 of the fireplace 28. Othertypes of combustible logs including gel logs may be placed on thefireplace grate. Various combinations of combustible logs andnon-combustible logs, such as ceramic logs, may be placed on either orboth platforms of the grate. For instance, ceramic logs could bearranged on the first platform and combustible logs placed on the secondplatform.

[0025]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the first embodiment of thefireplace grate. The illustrated grate is loaded with logs that have yetto be ignited. Again, wood logs 14 are placed on the first platform 12and a firelog 16 is placed on the second platform 18. More particularlythe logs are placed on the upper surface 19 of the platforms.

[0026] The first platform is joined to the second platform via sidemembers 30. The side members fix the first platform a predetermineddistance 32 from the second platform. The predetermined distance may beselected such that the size of a firelog placed on the second platformis limited. This limitation ensures that a homeowner is not able toplace full size firelogs on the second platform in addition to a fullcomplement of other combustible logs on the second platform. Absent thisconstraint, a homeowner would be able to create a large fire that couldoverwhelm and consume a pre-fabricated fireplace.

[0027] This embodiment of the fireplace grate also includes additionalside members in the form of legs 34. The legs stabilize the fireplacegrate on the floor of the fireplace and raise the platforms above thefloor. The legs may be joined to the first platform or the secondplatform at any point provided the stability of the fireplace grate isnot sacrificed. The fireplace grate permit logs on both platforms to bepositioned above the floor 26 of the fireplace 28. This positioningincreases air flow around all logs to be burned, which enhancescombustion of all of the logs In alternative embodiments, the legs mayextend directly from the side members that link the first and secondplatforms.

[0028]FIG. 3 provides an additional perspective view of the firstembodiment of the fireplace grate wherein the grate has yet to be loadedwith logs. The first platform 12 has a plurality of grate members 36 anda plurality of cross members 38. Similarly, the second platform 18 has aplurality of grate members 40 and a plurality of cross members 41. Theinterconnection of the grate members and the cross members ensures thestability and rigidity of the fireplace grate. Between adjacent gratemembers and cross members in each platform openings 42 are formed. Theopenings permit ash generated during combustion to fall from the firstplatform to the second platform to the floor below the grate.

[0029] At the same, size of the openings prevents direct contact betweenlogs placed on each platform. The first platform isolates the firelog onthe second platform from other logs placed on the first platform,preventing the firelog on the second platform from being crushed orsmothered by the logs on the first platform. The size of the openingsrestricts the size of an object that can fall therethrough. For example,the openings can be sized so that conventional fireplace tools will notbe able to fit through the opening thereby, preventing the homeownerfrom poking a firelog on the second platform and causing a firelog toflare-up.

[0030] The front portion of each grate member of the first platformextends outwardly and then upwardly before joining with a first crossmember to form a lip 43. This portion of the first platform from fallingoff the front of the fireplace grate. Grate members and cross membersalso include a substantially flat surface 44. Combustion is enhancedwith increased airflow. The flat surface serves to fully support aportions of the firelog while preventing oxygen from accessing thesupported portion of a firelog. As a result, the flat surface forces thefirelog to burn from top to bottom despite the fact the firelog iselevated off the ground to increase airflow. The first platform alsoincludes support members 46 connected to and extending up from uppersurface 19 of the platform. The support members include a substantiallyflat first surface 48. For reasons similar to those just stated, thesupport member prevents combustion of those portions of a firelog thatabut the support member. Accordingly, the support member forces afirelog to burn from front to back when placed on the first platform.Thus, the fireplace grate has multiple purposes. It can be used tosafely set up a fire using wood logs and firelogs or it may be used tosafely set up a fire using only firelogs. Naturally, all elements of thefireplace grate are constructed of a strong durable material that isable to withstand the heat of a fire. For example, the fireplace traysmay be made of steel or cast iron, although other materials may be usedwithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0031]FIGS. 4-6 are perspective views of a second embodiment of thefireplace grate. When the fireplace grate is used to make a fire usingonly a firelog 16, the first platform 12 fully supports the under sideof the firelog. The support provided by the grate members 36 and crossmembers 38 of the first platform prevents the firelog, as it burns andreduces in size, from falling through the fireplace grate, breaking andflaring up. At the same time, the support does not interfere with airflow or rising heat from a firelog placed on the second platform 18.

[0032] The flat surfaces 44 of the first and second platform alsocontrol the burning of the firelog and force the firelog to burn fromthe top to bottom instead of on all sides at once. These flat surfacesprevent the firelog wrapper from igniting on the bottom of the fire log.Further, the support members 46 extending from the first surface allowsthe back side of a firelog to also be placed against a flat surfacethereby, preventing ignition of the back side of the wrapper. Control ofignition in this manner makes better use of the fuel in the fire log andproducing a more even flame for a longer time then if the fire log wasconsumed on all sides at once. This increases the burning cycle for thehomeowner.

[0033] The dual platform approach of the invention also provides a meansfor segregating different types of logs. The first platform protectsfirelogs placed the second platform from the force of a pop caused therelease of moisture or sap trapped in natural wood burning on first topplatform, indiscriminate use of fireplace tools while tending a woodfire, and the force of woods logs being added to or collapsing within afire. In addition, the flat surface of the grate members and crossmembers of the second platform further support underside of the firelogfrom any downward blast of air from a pop of the natural wood logs. Thedual platform embodiment also permits additional firelogs to be added tothe second platform with being required to move wood logs on the firstplatform. This enables the fire the be restarted if required withoutmove hot or burning wood logs. The fireplace grate of the inventionpermits firelogs to be burned safely in combination with othercombustible logs. The design protects a firelog from being crushed bywood while allowing efficient airflow to/from a firelog and othercombustible logs and reducing heat build-up around the firelog. Theopenings 42 in the platforms permit ash to fall through the platform andgather on the floor 26 of the fireplace 28.

[0034] It is the intent of the invention to provide a two-tier fireplacegrate that enables fireplace users to easily, efficiently, and safelymaintain a fire from a combination of combustible logs. FIGS. 1-6describe a two-tier fireplace grate that segregates a firelog on a firstplatform from other combustibles logs on a second platform. Suchsegregation enhances safety by reducing the likelihood of flare-up ofthe firelog.

[0035] It should be understood that, for convenience, the abovedescription is representative of embodiments according to the principlesof the invention without exhaustively enumerating all possibleembodiments. The description and illustration of the invention is by wayof example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described. Other embodiments may result fromcombination of alternative embodiments described herein and, as will beappreciated, are within the scope of the following claims. The figuresdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only, it being possibleto implement the invention with embodiments that differ considerably inappearance from the ones depicted here, while at the same time fallingwithin the spirit of the invention disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fireplace grate for holding logs, the fireplacegrate comprising: a first tier; and a second tier joined to the firsttier, each tier having an upper surface.
 2. The fireplace grate of claim1 further comprising: side members, the first tier fixed a predetermineddistance from the second tier via the side members.
 3. The fireplacegrate of claim 2 wherein the side members form legs that elevate thefirst tier and the second tier.
 4. The fireplace grate of claim 1wherein the first tier is operative to prevent direct contact between afirst log on the first tier and a second log on the second tier.
 5. Thefireplace grate of claim 1 wherein the first tier comprises: a pluralityof grate members; and a plurality of cross members; the grate membersand the cross members substantially segregating the upper surface of thefirst tier from the upper surface of the second tier.
 6. The fireplacegrate of claim 5 wherein the grate members and the cross members includea substantially flat first surface.
 7. The fireplace grate of claim 5wherein openings formed between the grate members and the cross membersare sized to prevent objects larger than a predetermined size fromfalling through the first tier.
 8. The fireplace grate of claim 1,wherein the second tier comprises: a plurality of grate members; and aplurality of cross members, the grate members and the cross membersincluding a substantially flat first surface.
 9. The fireplace grate ofclaim 8 having at least three grate members.
 10. The fireplace grate ofclaim 1 further comprising a first support member connected to andextending up from said bed, wherein said first support member includes asubstantially flat first surface.
 11. A multi-purpose two-tier fireplacegrate comprising: a first platform; and a second platform, the secondplatform connected to the first platform and spaced a predetermineddistance from the first platform, each platform having an upper surfacefor the placement of a log.
 12. The multi-purpose two-tier fireplacegrate of claim 11 further comprising: side members linking the firstplatform and the second platform, the side members forming legs thatelevate the first platform and the second platform.
 13. Themulti-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim 11 wherein the secondplatform is operative to hold a second log, and wherein the firstplatform is operative to hold a first log and to prevent direct contactbetween the first log and the second log.
 14. The multi-purpose two-tierfireplace grate of claim 111 wherein the first platform comprises: aplurality of grate members; and a plurality of cross members; the gratemembers and the cross members substantially segregating the uppersurface of the first platform from the upper surface of the secondplatform.
 15. The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim 14wherein said grate members and the cross members include a substantiallyflat first surface.
 16. The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate ofclaim 14 wherein said grate members include an portion upturned to forma lip.
 17. The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim 11,wherein the second platform comprises a plurality of grate members; anda plurality of cross members, the grate members and the cross members isadapted to cooperate with and at least partially support a firelog. 18.The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim 17 wherein saidgrate members and the cross members include a substantially flat firstsurface.
 19. The multi-purpose two-tier fireplace grate of claim 1further including at least a first support member connected to andextending up from the first platform, wherein said first support memberincludes a substantially flat first surface.
 20. A fireplace grate forsupporting logs, the fireplace grate comprising: a first platform havinga first plurality of grate members; and a first plurality of crossmembers; a second platform having a second plurality of grate members,and a second plurality of cross members; and side members connecting thefirst platform and the second platform at a predetermined distance andpreventing direct contact between logs placed on each platform.